Effect of LED therapy for the treatment nipple fissures

Abstract

Introduction:Poor positioning of the child in relation to the breast and improper suckling are the main causes of nipple fissure. Treatment options for nipple fissures include drug therapy with antifungal and antibiotics, topical applications of lanolin, glycerin gel, creams and lotions, the milk itself, hot compresses, and silicone nipple shields. Studies involving light-emitting diode (LED) therapy have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, the enhancement of the wound repair process, and the control of pain. As it does not cause discomfort, is relatively inexpensive and may impede the discontinuation of breastfeeding, phototherapy could be a viable option for the treatment of nipple fissures.Aim:The principal objective of the proposed study is to evaluate the effectiveness of LED therapy for the treatment of nipple fissures in postpartum mothers.Materials and methods:One hundred patients treated with a medical diagnosis of bilateral nipple trauma classified as nipple fissures or cracks will participate in the study, randomized into 2 groups: The control group will receive orientation regarding breast care and adequate breastfeeding techniques. The experimental group will receive the same orientation and phototherapy sessions using a device developed especially for the treatment of nipple trauma. Both groups will be followed up for 6 consecutive weeks.

Traumas mamilares em nutrizes: revisão de escopo

“…There was agreement that nipple trauma, together with pain, was the most common problem during breastfeeding, being a significant factor for weaning. The treatment was addressed in 14 articles, which included comparison of treatments, evaluation of new interventions and devices (12,13,18,19,(23)(24)(25)(27)(28)(29)32) . Two articles (16,30) addressed the risk factors, identifying the alterations and classifying the signs of trauma.…”

“…Two articles used the Nipple Trauma Indicator to evaluate and measure injuries: an instrument that has a score to be given to the trauma, according to the depth and extent of the injury (23,25) . Regarding symptoms, the most frequently mentioned was pain, which can be mild to intense (12,18,(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33) .…”

“…Nine articles mentioned the location of nipple trauma. Generally, the injuries are at the nipple--areolar junction, involving the dermis and epidermis (12,14,16,17,21,24,26,28,29,30) , classified as circular or longitudinal (17,28) . There is no consensus about the description of the location or degree of impairment.…”

“…However, it was pointed out that the baby's latch on and positioning are relevant for both prevention and treatment (16,17,21,22,23,27,31,32,33) . The following possibilities for prevention of nipple trauma were pointed out: use of dexpanthenol (13,26,29,33) ; use of breast milk (12,14,15,16,(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32) ; lanolin (14,16,20,22,23,24,25,(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)33) ; free demand; avoiding the use of nipple protectors and pacifiers (31), as well as avoiding the use of nipple soap (23) . Herbal alternatives, such as guaiazulene ointment (29) , calendit-E (26,29) , aloe…”

Effects of Herbal Medicines on Nipple Fissures: A Systematic Review

“…Experiences during the postpartum period as an important stage in women's life affect all members of a family (1). Women should adapt themselves to biological, psychological and social changes and numerous concerns and problems they face during this period (2).…”